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5th “October, 1888. 
AON NeU A EL ) MEE? DNS 
Mr James G. H. Starke, M.A., F.S.A., in the Chair. 
New Members—Mrs Wm. M‘Dowall, Cresswell Terrace, and 
Mr John Smith, St. Michael Street. 
Donations..—The Secretary (Mr Robert Barbour) laid on the 
table the Smithsonian Report, 1885, Part I.; Elisha Mitchell 
Scientific Society’s Journal, 1888, Part I.; and the July and 
August numbers of the Essex Naturalist. 
SECRETARY'S REPORT. 
The Honorary Secretary submitted the following report :— 
One change has occurred during the Session which deserves 
very special mention. The Society has lost the valuable services 
of Mr Wilson, who for several years discharged in a most efficient 
manner the duties of Honorary Secretary. Mr Wilson having 
received promotion in the Civil Service, resigned the office in 
consequence of leaving the town. The Society is much indebted 
to Mr Wilson’s activity during the time he held office, and the 
value of his services is fully recognised. 
At the last Annual Meeting the membership of the Society 
numbered 223, comprising 6 life, 197 ordinary, and 20 correspond- 
ing members, while the Roll-book at present shows a membership 
of 209, 7 being life, 185 ordinary, and 19 corresponding members. 
During the Session 12 new members have been elected, while 26 
names have been taken off the roll, on account of death, change of 
residence, and a stricter scrutiny. 
Seven winter meetings were held as usual during the Session. 
The average attendance was 29.7, being a falling off as compared 
with last year, when the average was 34. Nineteen communica- 
tions were read, most of which were of considerable local interest. 
At the December meeting a new code of Rules was adopted, on 
the recommendation of the Committee, 
